Small-Cap Value Funds 

Investing in the stock market can be exhilarating and intimidating at the same time. One of many options available today is some small-cap value funds, which have gained much attention as capable delivery vehicles for tremendous returns. This guide comprehensively explains small-cap value funds, their performance dynamics, associated risks, investment strategies, and more. By the end, you will be well-equipped to make informed decisions regarding small-cap value funds. 

What Are Small-Cap Value Funds? 

Small-cap value funds are equity mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on the stocks of undervalued small-size companies. The companies concerned trade at low price-book (P/B), low price-earnings ratio (P/E), and price-cash flow ratio (P/CF), making them an excellent investment opportunity for capitalising on future growth and market corrections. 

What Are Small-Cap Value Stocks? 

The market capitalisation of companies associated with smaller-cap stocks would range from USD 300 million to USD 2 billion. Value also means the stock’s price is lower than the calculated intrinsic value derived from other financial metrics, such as earnings, assets, or cash flow. 

Important Characteristics 

1. Market Capitalisation:

Small-cap companies are largely at the lower ranks. They are mainly in the growth stage and also have room for growth. 

2. Value Metrics:

“Value” refers to how these companies trade cheaper at their estimated intrinsic values than the market values. 

Valuation metrics involved  

• Low P/B ratios  

• P/E ratios  

• In high dividend yields in some cases 

3. Growth Potential:

Many small-cap value stocks are in industries or sectors that have growth prospects but are experiencing cyclical headwinds that temporarily make the investment less appealing to investors. However, these stocks provide value to long-term investors. 

4. Risk and Volatility:

Small-cap value funds are more volatile than large-cap funds because the underlying companies are relatively small and hence easily susceptible to market conditions. 

Understanding Small-Cap Value Funds 

To understand small-cap value funds, it is essential to understand their makeup, the companies they focus on, and how fund managers work. 

Investment Universe 

Small-cap value funds primarily target companies showing these characteristics: 

• Lower Market Valuations: Stocks trading at a discount relative to their intrinsic value. 

• Growth Potential: Businesses showing promise in future earnings and market potential. 

• Financial Resilience: Businesses with sound fundamentals, despite market mispricing. 

• Undervalued Sectors: Often, these funds invest in sectors experiencing temporary downturns but with a positive long-term outlook. 

Fund Manager Strategies 

Fund managers play a pivotal role in identifying suitable small-cap value stocks. Their strategies often involve: 

• Thorough Financial Analysis: Examining a company’s health through profitability and growth metrics. 

• Industry Trends: Identifying sector-specific trends that may drive the stocks. 

• Valuation Techniques: Using fundamental analysis to find those stocks selling below their true value. 

• Diversification: Spreading investments across different sectors and industries to mitigate risks. 

• Active or Passive Management: Some funds are actively managed, while others track a small-cap value index. 

Performance and Risk of Small-Cap Value Funds 

Historical Performance Trends 

Historically, small-cap value funds have shown the possibility of beating other asset classes for long-term returns. Using financial data, it’s clear that small-cap value stocks in the US stock market have offered much more solid returns than large-cap and growth stocks during some periods.  

As examples: 

• 5-Year Average Return: Approximately 11%–15% every year, depending on which fund and market condition has prevailed. 

• 1-Year Returns (2023): Some funds have reported more than 30% yields because of market recoveries and undervalued opportunities. 

It is worth noting that although the performance of small-cap value funds in the past has been encouraging, past results alone are not a predictor of future performance. 

Risk Considerations  

Investing in small-cap value funds has natural risks, such as the following: 

1. Market Volatility: Small-cap stocks are more volatile than large-cap stocks, which means that price swings are increasing.
2. Economic Sensitivity: These equities are generally more sensitive to macroeconomic factors.
3. Liquidity Risk: Small firms’ low trading volumes result in lower market liquidity, which increases the prospect of price impact during a purchase or sale.
4. Company-Specific Risks: Bad management, debt, and operational problems are some of the factors that can seriously affect small-cap companies. Before investing capital, these risks must be compared with investment goals and time horizons.

Investment Strategies in Small-Cap Value Funds 

1. Long-Term Investment Horizon

Small-cap value stocks may also require some time to see their real market value. An indicative holding period of 5–10 years will also help these companies grow, recover from temporary failure, and get maximum returns. 

2. Diversification

The diversification in small-cap value funds will act as an important tool of risk management. Diversified funds invest in several sectors and industries to ensure that the failure of the stocks does not have a strong effect on the fund. 

3. Active Monitoring

Small-cap value funds should periodically be reviewed to ensure proper performance. Investors, too, must be well-equipped with market conditions to identify assets or sectors that may not perform and make strategic adjustments in those areas. 

4. Dollar-Cost Averaging

The fixed amount invested periodically will reduce the impact of market volatility. The strategy will ensure the purchase of more shares at lower prices and fewer at higher prices, which will average the cost in the long run. 

Examples of Small-Cap Value Funds 

Several well-reputed small-cap value funds exist, especially in developed markets like the United States. Below are some examples of small-cap value funds, with their unique strategies, performance, and benefits to investors. 

1. Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund (VSIAX)

It is a favourite investment option for those who want to access a diversified portfolio of small-cap value stocks. The fund tracks the CRSP US Small-Cap Value Index, which contains a wide range of undervalued companies across all sectors. 

Key features 

• Low Expense Ratio: The expense ratio of the Vanguard Small-Cap Value Index Fund is extremely low, at 0.07%. This makes it one of the ideal choices for long-term investors seeking minimal investment costs. 

• Diversification: The fund invests in hundreds of small-cap stocks, providing broad market exposure while minimising the risks associated with individual stock performance. 

• Performance: The fund has historically delivered consistent returns aligned with the overall small-cap value segment and outperformed many actively managed alternatives over extended periods. 

This fund appeals to passive investors who care more about low costs and broad exposure to small-cap value stocks. Hence, it can be used as a cornerstone for diversifying portfolios. 

2. Dimensional U.S. Targeted Value Portfolio (DFFVX)

Dimensional Fund Advisors runs an actively managed fund with a target of small-cap value stocks with high profitability. This follows the use of stringent filters that look for companies that, at attractive valuations, show a solid base. 

Key Features 

• Active Management: The fund has active management, and the managers can spot specific opportunities and react to any changes in market conditions. 

• High-quality metrics: The portfolio’s investments are based on strong profitability metrics, which act as a buffer to balance the intrinsic risks within small-cap investing. 

• Expense Ratio: Although higher than index funds, the expense ratio of around 0.44% is competitive for an actively managed fund. 

This fund is ideal for investors who want a more hands-on approach to small-cap value investing, with a chance of higher returns because of strategic stock selection. 

3. TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund (TISBX)

The TIAA-CREF Small-Cap Blend Index Fund tracks the Russell 2000 index and combines the features of small-cap value and growth stocks, thus giving exposure to a mix of the best value and growth stock opportunities in the small-cap universe. 

Key Features 

• Broad Exposure: This will include undervalued and high-growth stocks within the small-cap market. 

• Low Expense Ratio: The fund’s expense ratio is 0.06%, making it very cost-effective. Therefore, minimal drag on returns will occur. 

• Stability and Balance: The blending strategy will reduce volatility as the investor diversified across value and growth stocks. 

This fund suits investors seeking a middle ground between value-focused and growth-oriented small-cap funds. It offers steady growth potential without excessive risk. 

Frequently Asked Questions